5 Cardinals who won't be back as 2025 rebuild begins

Paul Goldschmidt

Goldschmidt completed the final year of his 5-year $130 million contract. The 2024 season was his most disappointing season with the Cardinals as he slashed ..245/.302/.414 with 22 home runs and 65 RBIs. This wouldn't be a terrible season for your average player, but we are discussing Goldschmidt, who was the NL MVP in 2022.

It's not clear what Goldschmidt would want to return for another season with the Cardinals, but the team will likely move on from him. The team has Alec Burleson, Luken Baker, and Jordan Walker available to compete for the first base position.

Miles Mikolas

Mikolas is entering the final season of his current contract with the Cardinals. He is owed $16 million. He would be a good fit for a team looking for a veteran, bottom-of-the-rotation arm. With the Cardinals looking to shed payroll, he would be an ideal candidate for a trade. Mikolas, however, could have performed better.

In 2024, Mikolas was 10-11 in 32 games started. He pitched 171.2 innings, throwing 122 strikeouts. This is not great for a man considered the second arm in an older rotation. He became a bottom-tier candidate from the rotation by season's end.

It may be challenging to move Mikolas, but the Cardinals must try to complete it.